Aloe Vera

Species Name:  aloe vera.

Also known as: Aloe barbadensis Mill., A. vulgaris Lam., belongs to the Liliaceae family.

Aloe Vera is a medicinal plant used in traditional Indian medicine, Chinese medicine and in the Western world. Many people use the gel of the plant to apply directly to wounds, burns, cold sores, itching, infections of the skin, stomach and digestion issues and more.

The aloe vera plant is stemless or short stemmed and grows to a height of 80-100 cm, spreading by offsets and root sprouts. Its leaves are green to grey-green in color, thick and fleshy with a serrated margin. The flowers are produced on a spike that may be up to 90 cm tall.

Plants in the aloe species are usually cultivated as ornamental plants for both gardens and in the potted variety. In fact, many of the species are highly decorative and valued highly by collectors of succulents.

Home Remedies using Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains many components such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

Many people may now it best as a way of treating sunburn, especially when chilled before using.

Benefits of Aloe Vera

It is suggested that aloe vera’s beneficial properties are related to the presence of mucopolysaccharides in the inner gel of the leaf, especially acemannan.

An injectable form of acemannan has been approved by the FDA for treatment of fibrosarcoma, a type of canine and feline cancer, but at this time, it has not been approved for use in human.

Even though it is not a drug, it is a controlled substance and you can only obtain it from a veterinarian.

Cosmetic companies add sap or other derivatives of aloe vera to products such as makeup, moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, shampoos, and lotions. It is believed that aloe vera gel is useful for dry skin conditions and eczema around the eyes and sensitive skin of the face.

Uses of Aloe Vera

  • Food preservative
  • Can help alleviate nausea
  • Soothes skin irritations such as cuts, burns, and eczema
  • Moisturizes hair and scalp
  • Coughs
  • Wounds
  • Helps with digestion
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Gastritis
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Headaches
  • Relieves joint and muscle pain
  • Arthritis
  • Immune system booster
  • Laxative/Helps treat constipation
  • Healing to damaged skin
  • Gel
  • Lotion
  • Liquid for internal use
  • As a dietary supplement

Side Effects of Aloe Vera

Avoid using aloe vera internally during pregnancy. High doses of the leaves can cause vomiting. Check with your doctor if considering giving aloe vera to children under 12 years of age.

Genotoxicity studies indicate that aloe-containing laxatives may increase the risk of cancer even when used as directed but more studies are needed.

In rare cases, high doses used to treat constipation, weight loss or to improve wellness may cause liver injury.

Prior to taking aloe vera, consult with your physician if you are taking medications.